2005 Jeep Liberty: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Jeep Liberty: 5 recalls, 1118 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #05V460000 · 2005 · 256,409 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft May be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle May not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Why it matters: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle May roll away and cause a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on November 28, 2005.
Suspension Vehicle recall #06V288000 · 2006 · 826,687 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain trucks, the constant tension front lower ball joints May experience contamination. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period with this condition, the ball joint May eventually experience wear and looseness.
Why it matters: When the driver continues to operate the vehicle with this condition, the contamination can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear and possibly separation from the steering knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2006. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension Vehicle recall #12V085000 · 2012 · 346,900 vehicles
What's wrong: In June 2012, Chrysler expanded this recall to include model year 2006 and 2007 Jeep liberty vehicles, representing an additional 137,176 vehicles. This recall now concerns certain my 2004-2007 Jeep liberty vehicles. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 346,900. These vehicles were manufactured from July 3, 2003 through June 29, 2007. The recall addresses those vehicles originally sold, or currently…
Why it matters: A fracture of the rear lower control arm May result in a loss of vehicle control and May lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms on all affected vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new…
Body & structure, Fuel system Vehicle recall #13V252000 · 2013 · 1,560,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The fix: Owners May take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support…
Suspension Vehicle recall #18V278000 · 2018 · 239,904 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear suspension lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion, causing a loss of vehicle control.
Why it matters: A fractured control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Suspension Equipment recall #09E039000 · 2009 · 44 vehicles
What's wrong: These suspension systems were produced with grade 2 carriage bolts instead of the proper grade 5 carriage bolts. The improper grade 2 carriage bolts could experience a loss of clamping force for the bottom strut fork.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on October 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied.
Suspension Equipment recall #12E047000 · 2012 · 892 vehicles
What's wrong: These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4x2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.
Why it matters: If the non-formed hub unit is installed on a Jeep liberty 4x2 model (which does not use an axle nut for hub retention), the vehicle wheel will not be secure and a front wheel separation May occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has notified retail stores that have received the subject parts. The front wheel hubs will be replaced free of charge. Owners who May have purchased the affected units should contact timken at 1-330-471-3693 for more information. This recall is being conducted by timken, not Chrysler/Jeep.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 27 mention a fire, 53 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (262): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (63), noise or vibration (45), steering problems (38).
- Fuel & propulsion (192): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (30), fire / smoke (18).
- Fuel system (184): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (38), fire / smoke (14).
- Body & structure (137): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (11).
The 2005 Jeep Liberty has 1118 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 13 Liberty model years for complaints (1.6× the average Liberty year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (237 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 69,742 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (1101 complaints, 7 recalls), 2006 (1372 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Diesel |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Jeep Liberty.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Jeep Liberty, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Jeep Liberty problems?
Owners have filed 1118 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (262), fuel & propulsion (192), fuel system (184).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Jeep Liberty get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.8 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Jeep Liberty repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.